WARNING: On October 3, 2003, an operation will be carried out by the German authorities, in which all people who download music or other files using programs like Kazaa or similar will be reported. Prevent the success of this operation and protect yourselves by not downloading anything on that day and sending this message to everyone you know. (With comment!)
Comment from aaaaaprvdgrwwelt:
I do not know the original source of this message. I have published it as is, but I do not want to withhold my opinion on it. The fact that many copyrighted works are exchanged on the Internet is undeniable. The music industry, and increasingly the film industry, are seeing their revenues plummet. Instead of considering their pricing or the generally poor economy, the industry is increasingly resorting to taking legal action against individuals who exchange even small amounts of MP3s.
In the USA, for example, there is a wave of extortion going on with the motto: "We have logs showing how you illegally exchange files, now pay to be free or we will sue you." This is supposed to happen even to someone who offers just a single MP3 file for exchange. The fact that the music industry shows no scruples is demonstrated by a case where they compelled a twelve-year-old to pay 2000 dollars.
While the situation in Germany is not yet as dire, there are also efforts underway here to completely abolish the right to make private copies legally. This would mean that making a backup copy of a legally purchased CD for the car would be just as illegal as transferring songs to an MP3 player.
Aside from that, I think nothing of this report except for fear-mongering. People are meant to be deterred; those who are afraid do not exchange illegal files. In terms of sheer numbers, it would be entirely impossible to sue all file exchangers. Which court would accept countless lawsuits? Even locating the exchangers would be far too great an effort.
Therefore, take this message calmly; nothing will happen if you have Kazaa running on Friday. Nevertheless, it is of course illegal to distribute protected property. An alternative is offered by (WARNING, ADVERTISEMENT) for example p-u-n-k.de, where you can download all MP3s without worry. Because these are provided by the bands specifically for this purpose. But please also buy their CDs if you like the music!
Comment from aaaaaprvdgrwwelt:
I do not know the original source of this message. I have published it as is, but I do not want to withhold my opinion on it. The fact that many copyrighted works are exchanged on the Internet is undeniable. The music industry, and increasingly the film industry, are seeing their revenues plummet. Instead of considering their pricing or the generally poor economy, the industry is increasingly resorting to taking legal action against individuals who exchange even small amounts of MP3s.
In the USA, for example, there is a wave of extortion going on with the motto: "We have logs showing how you illegally exchange files, now pay to be free or we will sue you." This is supposed to happen even to someone who offers just a single MP3 file for exchange. The fact that the music industry shows no scruples is demonstrated by a case where they compelled a twelve-year-old to pay 2000 dollars.
While the situation in Germany is not yet as dire, there are also efforts underway here to completely abolish the right to make private copies legally. This would mean that making a backup copy of a legally purchased CD for the car would be just as illegal as transferring songs to an MP3 player.
Aside from that, I think nothing of this report except for fear-mongering. People are meant to be deterred; those who are afraid do not exchange illegal files. In terms of sheer numbers, it would be entirely impossible to sue all file exchangers. Which court would accept countless lawsuits? Even locating the exchangers would be far too great an effort.
Therefore, take this message calmly; nothing will happen if you have Kazaa running on Friday. Nevertheless, it is of course illegal to distribute protected property. An alternative is offered by (WARNING, ADVERTISEMENT) for example p-u-n-k.de, where you can download all MP3s without worry. Because these are provided by the bands specifically for this purpose. But please also buy their CDs if you like the music!
